Judges 19:21 Meaning and Explanation
“So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The old man brings them home, feeds the donkeys, and they wash and share a meal.
What Does Judges 19:21 Mean?
The old man brings the travelers into his house, gives feed to the donkeys, and sees to it that they wash their feet, eat, and drink. Every duty of a faithful host is fulfilled in quiet succession. After the long, anxious wait in the street, the company is at last received, refreshed, and welcomed to the table.
The washing of feet and the shared meal are the tender, homely rituals of hospitality, signs that a stranger has become a guest under the protection of the house. For a moment all seems well, and the warmth of this home stands in deep contrast to the coldness of the town outside its walls. Scripture often pictures such acts of welcome as holy, and the foot-washing here cannot but call to mind the One who would later kneel to wash His disciples' feet. Yet even as the meal is shared, the menace of Gibeah is gathering in the darkness beyond the door.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 19:21
What does Judges 19:21 mean?
The old man brings them home, feeds the donkeys, and they wash and share a meal.